41. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the Children and Young Persons Ordinance, 1939, and the Adoption of Children Ordinance, 1941, of Ceylon, have yet been put into operation?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanAccording to my latest information, neither Ordinance is yet in operation. The administrative arrangements necessary are still under consideration in Ceylon.
Mr. Creech JonesIn view of the very long and unhappy story of this Colony, will not the Colonial Office, in spite of the war, put the utmost pressure upon the Government of Ceylon to put these two Ordinances into operation?
§ Mr. MacmillanI would like to consider that suggestion, but I would point out that the Government of Ceylon are trying to deal with a great number of questions at the present time.
Mr. Creech JonesIs not the Minister aware that the Government of Ceylon, in spite of their promise, have delayed giving effect to this matter for over 10 years?